Wisdom involves choosing between courses of action by weighing up the justification for, and consequences of, each: we avoid a rush to judgement, allowing time for reflection, and the gathering of alternative perspectives before forming an opinion of a person or situation: we reflect on our own and other people’s experience so that we avoid repeating mistakes: we resolve disputes through mediation, dialogue and restitution rather than punishment.

In learning to be wise we connect values and action and try to act according to the values we claim as our own: we base our arguments and decisions on reason and evidence rather than the exercise of power: we are honest about the limits of our knowledge and recognise the knowledge of others, both children and adults: we question and listen: we understand that we are bodies as well as minds and are part of the natural world.

In becoming wise we attempt to face, rather than deny, difficult realities in ourselves and the world, in order to find sources of improvement: we do not take the truth for granted in accepted ways of thinking and acting and make connections between areas of thought and action that are commonly kept apart: we explore what we value in our own lives and what others value in theirs: we seek the knowledge that helps us to live well together in our homes, communities, schools and on our planet.